Dog growled, tugging down his cowl as he was led into the city. Victoria and Harlow chatted animatedly as they planned out their supply run, throwing ideas back and forth as Dog’s senses were overwhelmed. Peasants in numbers higher than he could count moved about like ants, clothed in shades of green, gray, and brown.

The buildings were great stone pinnacles, marvels he’d seen rarely to the north and south. With great spiraling spires that scraped at the sky. Dozens of banisters, and flags of all colors flew in the wind, each home a well managed tapestry of cloth, and dye. It was beautiful, though he’d never admit it. A fancy the likes of which he’d rarely seen. He could smell the sea in the distance, a harbor reeking of the heedy stench of fish guts, the tell tale tolling of bells in the distance signifying the start to an early day’s work.

“Do you recall what kingdom these colors belong to? These blues, greens, and whites?” Siegfried asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

“Korone, the Kingdom of Fields.” Dog mumbled, “They mentioned it at the tavern.”

Siegfried laughed, “I’d heard about your night on the town, as short as it was. Well done my boy. Can you tell me about Korone?”

Dog thought for a moment, “They are famous for their cavalry, knights, and artillery. They wield strange magic from the fae, like the elves. Peasants are especially poorly treated here. The king is only a boy. I am only familiar with the outskirts of this place.”

“Spot on. Why’re we here?”

“Supplies from the locals. Victoria is hoping to find reliable contracts for when we’re in the region. There is concern that the elves of the nearby mountains and forests are ready to declare war. There’s doubt of the boy king's ability. He reached out to Victoria, and we had business in this direction.”

“Perfect.” Siegfried beamed, “I couldn’t have said it better myself. War is stirring, can you feel it?”

“I can.”

“Make sure your gear is sharp. Have you ever fought elves before?”

Dog thought again, “Not these ones. These are the bush elves. I have fought the slavers to the north while traveling, and the great mages on the floating isles once.”

Siegfried blinked, “The high elves, dark elves, and woodland elves?”

“Is that what they’re called?”

“Indeed. You’ve seen one of the sky people?”

Dog nodded.

“What are they like?”

“Deadly.” Dog said.

“Sit-rep for me, boy.”

Dog scratched his neck, “They are old. They look young, but nobody that young can swing a blade with so much skill. Many train for hundreds of years to master a weapon, and even the peasants can fight better than man-at-arms. They ride great beasts that fly through the skies, and are as clever as a man. I would not wish to fight one alone. But that is not their real strength.”

“What is?” Victoria asked, listening in.

“Their magic. I was deployed as a raider. We were expected to hassle their back line, and supplies. The commander expected their mages to be poor in a real fight. He was wrong. When the battle began, the world changed.”

“What do you mean?” Harlow asked.

“I am not sure of the right words. Things smelled different. The sky was wrong, the ground was wrong. Even the plants and animals were wrong. They summoned rays of starlight from the heavens, and destroyed entire companies. Plants started to move, they cast magic that weakened your mind, and slowed your body. We were in a cage on an open battlefield.”

“Magic of light and darkness. Rare, there are only five in the entire realm of man attuned to it, and yet they brought it to bear against you in such force.” Siegfried rubbed his chin, “A dangerous foe indeed. Could I beat one of these mages?” Siegfried asked.

“Yes. But only if he did not cast. They are only vulnerable for a short amount of time. I killed one, then had to flee.”

“How’d you do that?” Harlow asked.

“I cut his head off while he was busy with another, dropping down from above.” Dog said, “When I retreated to the main front, half of it was gone, so I left.”

“You left?” Harlow scowled, “Don’t tell me you’d leave us if it kicked the shitter?”

“I would not.”

Harlow eyed him warily. Victoria, sensing this at her back, spoke, “Dog, why did you flee?”

“Man who was supposed to pay me was dead.”

“Do you fight for me because I pay you?”

“No.”

“So if the company were to lose, and I was slain, what would you do?”

“Follow Siegfried.”

“And what if Siegfried were to fall?”

“I would kill them until I died.” He said.

Victoria smiled, “What if one overpowered you and took you prisoner?”

“I could not serve him.”

“Why is that?”

“He did not beat you.”

“There you have it, Harlow.” Victoria chuckled as she led them into a large forge, “Forgemaster! I am Victoria of the Highgarden company, we have a contract from your king and my coin purse is heavy for reliable contractors!”

----------------------------------------

“Dog.” Victoria called, “I need you to listen extremely carefully.”

Dog turned, his canid-like helm giving the tilt of his head an inquisitive aura. He marched in time to Siegfried, a shining new pair of handaxes on his belt, his battleaxe strapped over his shoulder. His newly purchased armor mirrored Victoria’s own with its swooping shoulder pauldrons and proud chest plate. The smith had nearly kicked them out of his shop upon hearing Victoria’s request, Harlow’s efforts at appeasing his ego, and professional pride taking long strides towards his winning his cooperation. He stood now, marching along like a dog that had stood up on two legs.

“Do not speak. This is an important meeting for the band. It’s important to me. Report anything you notice afterwards.”

“Understood.” Dog nodded, “I will obey.”

“Excellent.” Victoria grinned, stepping into the double doors before her with her head held high, “I am Victoria Highgarden, leader of the Highgarden company. It is an honor, my lord.”

Dog stiffened as he eyed the girl on the throne, the scent coming off her undeniably dangerous. Her eyes bore down on them with an intensity that rivaled Victoria’s. She was as short as him, a sword as long as his axe across her lap, its golden edge making his skin crawl. Blonde hair spiked up above her fairy-like features, an air of barely restrained aggression evident upon first glance, made all the more obvious by a set of bright blue eyes that glistened like ice. He eyed the older man to her side, his milky eyes locked on Siegfried’s impressive bulk. He was tall, and lanky, like an old knotted tree, his back seemingly permanently hunched, not that it mattered, he still came in at only a few notes shorter than Siegfried. An impressive gray beard hung down his chin, and he stroked it reverently, comfortingly, as if it was something he’d done for many, many years.

“Welcome to Korone.” The Queen spoke, “I am honored by your pledge for the coming campaign against the Steelwood Court. The Highgarden Company is infamous for its capability, loyalty to its contractors, and its size.”

“But of course, my Lord.” Victoria replied with gusto, “In our line of work, our word is all we have.”

“How dignified for one of the peasantry.”

Merlin’s eyebrow quirked in amusement as Dog stiffened, the slight movement missed by the King and Victoria.

“I am Louen Pendragon,” The Queen spoke, “King of Korone, seeker of the Grail, Knight of the Order of the Lake, and Lion of Korone. Victoria Highgarden, rise.”

Victoria stood.

“You served my father, Ermand Pendragon in the Five King War, I request you serve us faithfully once more.” Louen paused, “Is it true?”

Victoria raised her head, “True, my lord?”

“You served during such a cataclysmic time? You can’t be much older than me at eighteen winters. You must’ve been just a girl.”

“If it was eight winters past, then I would have been thirteen winters.” Victoria confirmed.

“Hardly a woman and already on the battlefront?”

“I was, your grace.” Victoria confirmed, “High Mage Merlin would remember our service, I believe.”

“Indeed.” The old man spoke, his gnarled hands gripping the wooden staff in his hands with weather beaten knuckles, “Even at such an age, I recall the Highgarden company fighting with honor, and distinction. Victoria Highgarden, the White Death.”

“The White Death?” Louen asked.

“Indeed, your grace. Many compared it to fighting the wind itself. She has never been harmed,” Merlin said.

“Actually,” Victoria said, “That is no longer the case.”

Merlin’s eyes twinkled as he eyed Dog, “Is that so, lady Highgarden?”

“Lady?” Louen snorted.

“I have nearly been bested, recently at that.”

“Who might have had the courage to clash against a warrior like yourself?” Merlin asked, rubbing at his beard, sandpaper skin stretching as he smiled.

“My bodyguard,” Victoria beckoned Dog forward, “This is Dog of the Highgarden Company.”

“His name is, Dog? What kind of name is that?” Louen laughed.

“Dog, you say?” Merlin hummed, “That explains the helm. Would you remove it, my boy?”

Dog glanced at Victoria, pulling his helmet free as she nodded.

“Hmm.” Merlin blinked, appearing before Dog in an instant, “Curious.”

Dog blinked, stepping back as Victoria spoke, “Ah, lord Merlin! Please do not startle him, he’s prone to outbursts. We’ve only just recruited him-“

Merlin laughed, “Apologies, lady Highgarden. I have not seen one of his ilk in many years. I forget myself. What an interesting bodyguard, you’ve found. Where did you come upon him?”

“His ilk, lord?” Victoria’s eyes narrowed in confusion, her brain churning.

“You see it too, don’t you? Or at least, suspect it?” Merlin asked, “Siegfried the Vast? You would know. You may be the only mortal man I know of to fell one.”

“I’m not sure what you mean.” Siegfried smiled beneath his helm.

“Making me explain? Rotten old man.” Merlin laughed, “His kind are from the Forgotten Age,”

Dog glared, Victoria’s eyes widening, “His kind?”

“He is something… More than man. They are called Champions.”

“I don’t understand.” Victoria said.

“Many relics from that time are turning up in this age. I cannot say why, it's too soon, but it’s quite troublesome. I doubt any but the oldest of the elves can remember it.” He explained, “It was a time of incredible power, a time when the gods still risked mortality to entertain themselves. Mages who could pull down the sky, warriors who could sunder mountains, archers who could pierce the stars. Among their ranks were Champions. Their creation is a mystery, or rather how they were created, but their tales are well documented.”

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“Dog isn’t that old.” Victoria frowned.

“No, he is quite young. Many live for eons, and it’s entirely possible he is a mutt, a hybrid. Champions were often companions to kings, gods, and great heroes. Their prowess on the battlefield was unrivaled. Some stories say they needed only to see a technique to emulate it. They’re stronger, faster, and recover quicker than a normal man. They also grow to incredible heights of power. Some say the first king of Korone was a Champion. The blade, Caliburn, was once his. Forged from a fallen star, only one who can wield it can summon forth the Grail, and lead all of Korone.”

“Dog?” Victoria asked.

“I am Dog. Nothing more, nothing less.” Dog’s eyes were thin.

Merlin laughed, raising his hands. An orb of blue light slammed into Dog, the warrior falling flat on his back as he was knocked off his feet.

“Lord Merlin!” Victoria was stilled by Siegfried’s hand.

“He’s fine.” Siegfried laughed, “Get up, Dog. You’d let a little blast like that bring you down?”

Dog snarled, rising to his feet, blood pumping out of his nose.

“Incredible.” Merlin noted, “He’s more than half Champion. Nearly a purebred. Such rarity is unheard of, even in the Twilight age. I should warn you, Victoria…”

“Yes?” Victoria asked, her breathing heavy.

“Champions are bred to protect greatness. They bond, and bond deeply. It is an old, long forgotten magic. They are closer to an age long forgotten, then they are the here and now. Living relics. The method through which they grow stronger is through conflict. They are inherently adaptive. Continuously evolving with each threat to their being or their masters. They are the perfect warriors, or mages. He will attract trouble, I will aid you for your service in times past.”

“The duel with Karl. He was mimicking you, Siegfried.” Victoria held her chin in her hand, puzzling over each and every scenario they’d experienced.

“He was.” Siegfried nodded.

“Come.” Merlin said, “Louen, join us my boy. We will give a gift to the heroes of Korone.”

Louen rolled her eyes, “As you wish, Merlin.”

Merlin guided them through the castle, his castle tower out of a nearby courtyard, winding up and into the sky as if grown like a tree “Come, come.” He beckoned.

Each hall was the same white stone Dog had seen upon entering the city proper, a sterling beauty laced with color of all kinds. Paintings lined every wall, and hallway, as if the entire structure was trying to tell them a story. He did his best to keep his head forward, but his eyes wandered all the same. Heroes, and knights of old doing battle amongst any number of places, from sweeping fields to the roaring steppes of a volcano, it was a marvel to behold.

They approached the door, and vanished. Dog growling as a wave of nausea took him, the world sucked out before him as if it had been taken unto a straw. The group found themselves at the peak of Merlin’s tower, staring out across Korone beneath them a split second later. Louen sighed, taking a seat at a nearby desk with glare as she folded her arms over her chest. Idly watching the tiered towers and walls of her kingdom stretch out before her, flags doting many rooftops, her emblem emblazoned upon them. The golden sword in her grip was unmistakable.

“Where is that blasted thing? Gods dammit!” Merlin cursed, rifling through his desks and journals.

“As unorganized as ever.” Siegfried laughed.

“Quiet you muscle head!” Merlin scowled, “Ah, here it is!”

Merlin turned around, and Victoria recoiled. He held a violet eye in his hands, wrapped in a silver chain and metal wiring. It blinked inquisitively, veins throbbing, and twisting as they watched the arcane artifact study the short man. He offered it to Dog, the warrior cocking his head.

“Here, take this. Never take it off.” Merlin said, “Your nature will be masked by this, it’s an eye of an Elder Fae from the Under Court. They excel at misdirection, and confusion. It will aid you, and your master. As you grow it will only be more obvious to those of us who’s sight extends beyond the physical realms.”

Dog pocketed it, “Do I need to wear it?”

“I would suggest it, but it’s fine as long as it’s on you.”

Dog grunted, donning his helm.

“How interesting. I would like to study him, if you’d allow it.”

“No.” Victoria said, “Dog stays with me. He is my bodyguard.”

“Then you will stay in the castle.” Louen replied, “Near enough that Merlin can play his games, we’ll sortie with the main army, you will act as my direct arm.”

Victoria bit her lip.

“This is a great opportunity to grow his power, Victoria.” Merlin pressed, “He is only limited by exposure. Do you understand what he could become?”

“I’m-“

“Normal people have limits. Their potential is tied to what they are innately built for, either by the whims of the gods or luck of the dice. He has none, he will only grow. He could be a master magician, an eagle eyed archer, anything you wish.”

“They’re that potent? These… Champions? I still don’t understand. He’s powerful, yes. But so is Siegfried. What does that have to do with the Age of the Gods? I am even a better duelist. That doesn’t make him a Champion or any more than a normal man. ”

Merlin’s eyes twinkled, “Sir Siegfried may be a man, but he is far from ordinary. Still, for Dog? You would not possess the skills necessary to identify him for what he is, few would bother learning. But should you come across less… Tangible dwellers of our plane of existence, they will know. They will know and they will whisk him away faster then you could even imagine, trapping him in the worlds they walk between for their own entertainment. There are many who despise the Gods of this world, and not all of them are the demons we are told of in children's tales. Much in this world is hidden, resting beneath the dominance of humanity. They will not sleep for forever.”

Merlin continued, “As for his potency? Yes. They still have preferences, of course. Usually what they would learn first is entirely up to their lord, or the circumstances they find themselves in, but they can indeed learn anything. Or so the stories say, anyways. I have only met one other of his ilk, and he was far less civilized.”

“Dog?”

“You’d consult your servant?” Louen sneered.

Victoria ignored her, “What would you like to do?”

“Wizard.” Dog rasped, “Can you teach me magic to make me stronger? Physically?”

“It will take nearly all of our time till we move, but I can.” Merlin confirmed.

“Magic I can heal myself with?”

Merlin’s eyes twinkled, “Clever, I can. Though it will take the same amount of time. You would need to pick one over the other.”

“Then fine. Cut me apart as you wish.” Dog cracked his neck, “Worry not, ma’am. I’ll be ready by the time we sortie.”

“No cutting him up!” Victoria demanded.

“I wasn’t going to anyways.” Merlin blinked, “What a loyal hound. I was only going to study his body, muscle density, and blood.”

“Does any of that involve injury?” Victoria asked.

“Nothing more harmful than a bee sting, at most. He may not even feel it.”

“What have you done to deserve such a fine asset?” Louen asked, “A peasant who’s good with a blade, apparently. But one deserving of such a tool? Merlin does not exaggerate. Such a being should serve Kings. Royalty. Our Heavenly Mandate demands only the best.”

Victoria stiffened.

“Maybe I will requisition him for myself. I could use more knights. Can he ride?”

“I can.” Dog said, “But I only serve one. Also, I don’t like horses.”

“You’ll serve how your king tells you to serve.” Louen scowled.

“If Victoria says it's okay.” He shrugged, “But you’re not my king.”

Louen froze, and Merlin laughed.

“So, the name Dog isn’t just for show.” Merlin said, eyes twinkling, “Tell me, boy. How much time have you spent in the wilds amongst the beasts?”

“Ma’am?” Dog asked Victoria.

“Go ahead.”

“Much time.” Dog confirmed.

“His senses are very keen.” Siegfried confirmed, “He claims he can smell an opponent's threat level. He’s not been wrong, thus far. Although he seems to think Victoria is more dangerous than I.”

“Can he? Curious. That is not a trait specific to beasts. A vague idea, of course. But it's with a good amount of detail? Accuracy even? ” Merlin asked.

“What I have seen, at the least would indicate such.”

“Fascinating. How could you tell Louen was our Queen, boy?” Merlin asked.

“Merlin!” Louen cursed.

“What? There’s no harm in hiding it. We’re among friends here. I’ve stitched Siegfried’s chest back together. His mistress is to be trusted.”

“They are peasants!”

“Bah!” Merlin waved his arm, “So how could you tell?”

Dog pulled Victoria near, “Can I say I can smell her flower time?”

Victoria turned, eyes wide, “You can? Can you smell everyone’s?”

“Yes.”

Victoria’s neck burned, “I would like to say that Dog means no offense, and ask that none be taken.”

Louen glared, “Proceed.”

Dog shrugged, “It’s her time.”

Louen’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, her rage boiling, “It is-“ She winced.

“She’s begun.” Dog said.

“Don’t say that!” Louen roared, “What is the matter with you?”

“You asked.” Dog said.

“Argh!” Louen turned, heading for a nearby corridor.

“I don’t get why she’s so mad.” Dog said, “Where’s the insult?”

Victoria tugged on his ear, “Women are not looked upon kindly in Korone, and are usually not allowed to wield a blade. Many see a woman’s time as a weakness, and it fuels much of the discrimination.”

Dog blinked, “Why does that matter? I’m not from Korone. Anyone stronger than me is usually a woman. Most people, actually”

“This is true. But you are a man and that changes things in her eyes. Think of things from her perspective, Dog.” Victoria explained, “Especially given your new worth. Things are different in this Kingdom.”

“That’s dumb. No wonder people doubt her leadership. Harlow wasn’t wrong at all.”

“Enough.” Victoria hissed, “We will discuss this later. Lord Advisor, I must go. Watch over him until I return. I should be back by tomorrow.”

“Yes, Lady Victoria.”

“Please mind his temper. Don’t let him get executed if at all possible, he is a moron.”

Dog snorted.

----------------------------------------

“Unbelievable.” Victoria felt ready to pull her hair out as she approached the battle torn courtyard.

Dog’s new armor was worn and battered, covered in scorch marks, pockets torn in the steel where a blade had bit deep. He bled freely from the slashes, but stood unbothered, his axe still untouched on his back. He hefted his hand axes, twirling them as his foe raged and roared before him.

“Take it back!” Louen screamed, her eyes burning with golden fire, blade scorching the earth at her feet.

“I don’t understand why you’re so mad.”

“Argh!” Louen charged, slamming forward with her greatsword.

Dog brought his axes up, jumping and allowing the micro-explosion at the point her blade touched to send him flying. He bounded across the ground, killing his momentum with quick bounces as he evaded her.

“Ah, Victoria.” Merlin smiled, waving her and Siegfried forward. He sat at a bench untouched by the destruction, a small bowl of apples at his side.

“Merlin, what’s happening? What did he do?”

“Dog? Surprisingly little.” Merlin laughed, “He held his tongue longer than I expected. Really, this one might be my mistake. I tend to allow Louen to get away with most things, this is the result. I spoil the girl, you see. Like my own daughter. It’s excellent training for the two of them, a target he can’t demolish in an instant and someone who gets back up after her first blow.”

“He didn’t do anything?” Victoria blinked, frowning as Siegfried plucked an apple from the bowl and bit into it, groaning quietly with delight.

“Nothing. He asked why she hid her gender, and if her father was hiding her.” Merlin replied, “Reasonable questions given her charade. Half the discrimination only exists because it’s said a woman couldn’t wield Caliburn, yet here we are. He was polite, mind you. Polite for him, I imagine anyway. My good King has a tendency to take any reminder of said gender with great offense.”

“Dog!” Victoria called, “I told you to stay out of trouble!”

“I’m trying-“ Dog grunted, lashing out with his boot to force Louen back, “It was just a question.”

“Die!” Louen screamed.

“Enough, Dog!”

“What am I meant to do?” He turned, scowling, “Call her off, old man!”

“I’m afraid I can’t.” Merlin said, biting at his apple, nodding appreciatively as Siegfried as the mountain laughed, “She’s one to do as she wishes.”

“Am I going to cause trouble if I knock her out?” Dog asked, “I don’t know what to do. Victoria, what are my orders?”

“End the fight but don’t hurt her!” Victoria commanded.

“That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do. Ugh, don’t bring me next time!” Dog sheathed his hand axes, pulling his battleaxe free.

“Dog! Do not harm a hair on her head!”

Dog growled, crouching low, his weapon held out in one hand as he steadied himself against the ground with his other. Louen charged, and Dog blurred, his axe swinging out in a vicious arc. The blunt of the blade caught her grip, and he twisted, spinning the blade out of her hands. Louen struggled, trying to shove his axe away and failing, Caliburn shooting up into the sky.

They disengaged for a moment, and Dog charged, tossing his hand axe blunt end first. It slammed into her chest with a soft boom! He was atop her in an instant, his axe head pinning her to the dirt as she thrashed and gnashed her teeth, snarling like a feral animal.

“Stay down.” Dog warned, “I don’t want to hurt you. But you aren’t giving me any choice.”

“You’ll die for this! You’ll hang!”

“Enough.” Dog snarled, the edge of his axe digging into her throat.

“You would dare-“

“I would.” Dog said, twisting his axe, his eyes impassive as she winced. Her eyes widened, a wet trail dragging down her neck and pooling in the dirt beneath her.

Louen froze as her eyes met her captors. She felt her skin crawl as the beast above her watched her, her body shrinking, and withering beneath its stare. A sudden realization struck her core, and she fell still, unable to escape the gnawing sensation in her gut that ate away at her rage. She felt her thoughts grow faint as her breathing quickened, recognizing the mouse trap around her, the cat pressing down on her throat.

“I-“ Louen’s lips failed to form words, her skin skin shifting to chicken flesh.

“Hmm?” Dog cocked his head, the weight of his axe heavy on her throat.

“I forfeit.” She managed, her voice cracking.

Dog hummed, his axe sheathed in an instant, “Good.”

Louen’s rage smoldered, the axe on his back stealing her tongue as she punched the earth beneath her in frustration, watching his back with a dimming rage.

“By the Gods.” Victoria cursed as Dog collapsed at her feet, face in the mud, “Dog? Again!”

Merlin pressed his staff to the back of Dog’s head, the warrior rising slightly and shaking his head, trying to clear the fuzz in his thoughts, “That should jump start his natural healing ability. Well done, Dog. I can’t remember the last time I saw one of her tantrums handled so well. You really held in there, even with the blood loss. Caliburn’s a dangerous weapon. Those explosions are magical in nature, obviously, but those affected by them find their strength sapped. Good endurance boy!”

“You could have helped.” He scowled.

“Ah, but then you and she would not learn.”

“Learn what?”

“Why one guards, and the other is guarded.” Merlin chuckled.

“Hmm.” Dog glared, rising with Victoria’s help, “I will be less gentle next time. Some king.”

“She is young.” Merlin agreed, “But she is powerful. Most men could not stop her. She has tamed a Griffin at this point purely because of her prodigal talent. Her ability may appear lesser than yours, but your difference in experience is immense. She has a good heart, my boy. An unyielding sense of justice, too. Griffins do not bow for just any man, and she certainly is no man.”

“That didn’t stop her.” Victoria hissed, “Siegfried, take him to the doctor, and then he is confined to my room at the estate. Am I clear?”

“Crystal ma’am.” Siegfried hefted his student, “Stay awake, young Cub.”

“Lord Merlin! The elves! They’ve begun to move!” A messenger called.

“Well, damn.” Merlin sighed, “There goes my new pupal.”